Stephanie Metzger Archive

The Lake County Captains posted a 2-5 week, but some close games at least kept the games interesting. The offense remains underwhelming as infielder Paul Hendrix is the only player hitting above .300. The team failed to produce any runs in three of its losses last week, and its two wins were one-run games. Here's the week that went down for the Captains.

Clint Frazier knows he has young, gifted talent. He also knows he has something unique -- his own identity. He is working through his first full season and managing all of the expectations that come when you are a first round pick, but through it all he is just focusing on being himself. The IBI's Stephanie Metzger recently caught up with him to get his thoughts on several things related to his pro career to date.

Perhaps it was the warm weather, or perhaps things are just starting to click, but last week seemed to be a nice improvement for the Lake County Captains. The team went 5-2, stringing together a three-game win streak the past three days. The bullpen has offered some nice outings and the offense has collectively picked itself up. Here's what happened during the Captains' previous week.

Since last season, Jimmy Stokes has picked up some velocity on his fastball. He also picked up a college diploma. The tall right-handed pitcher is currently in Arizona out in extended spring training and the IBI's Stephanie Metzger recently caught up with him to see how things are going and how his new throwing program is coming along.

The Lake County Captains (13-29) deflated the sails of the West Michigan Whitecaps (24-18) in a 5-2 win May 17. Dace Kime (0-6, 7.82) received the start for the Captains opposite Whitecaps’ righty Jonathon Crawford (1-1, 2.73). Both squads went scoreless through the first two innings until the Captains struck first. Centerfielder Clint Frazier led off the inning with a walk and reached third on a single by shortstop Paul Hendrix. With one out, designated Anthony Santander singled to right to plate Frazier, giving the Captains the early 1-0 lead.

It’s been four years since Robbie Aviles was drafted, but his confidence is at an all-time high. He suffered an elbow injury right before the 2010 draft, and now with a repaired elbow he is set out to repair his status as a prospect arm. The IBI's Stephanie Metzger recently sat down with the talented righty to talk about his success so far this season and maintaining it.

The Lake County Captains picked up a pair of wins last week before the team was plagued by a four-game losing skid. The pitching staff struggled, despite the offense's attempts to produce more runs, except for a shutout May 13. Now posting an 11-28 overall record, the Captains sit in the bottom of the Midwest League standings, 12 games out of first place. The IBI's Stephanie Metzger recaps the week that was for the Captains and checks in on how Nellie Rodriguez is adjusting to his second year at Lake County.

The Lake County Captains had an interesting week that consisted of an 18-inning game, position players pitching and the departure of Dorssys Paulino. Now 9-24, the team remains in the basement of the Midwest League. One player who isn't struggling is shortstop Paul Hendrix, who will look for more playing time with Paulino gone. The IBI's Stephanie Metzger recently spoke with Hendrix and recaps the Captains' previous week.

The Lake County Captains may not be winning, but the past week had some undeniable high points. The team posted a 2-5 record and is 7-19 overall, ranking them dead last in the Midwest League. The IBI's Stephanie Metzger discusses some highlights from the Captains' previous week.

Committing to anything is tough when one spends six months of the year on the road, but Jordan Smith is managing a dual commitment between baseball and marriage. The IBI's Stephanie Metzger recently caught up with Smith and sat down to talk to him and Akron manager Dave Wallace about those commitments and what he is working on this season.

The Lake County Captains lost their eighth straight game by a score of 6-4 against the South Bend Silver Hawks. Dace Kime got the start, but lasted less than five innings as his ERA moved up to 9.95 for the season. The Captains made a comeback attempt, but it wasn't enough to catch South Bend on the road.

The arrival of first-rounder Clint Frazier highlighted the Captains’ week, though the team’s winning woes remained. They posted a 1-5 record last week as they managed to avoid a home sweep by the Burlington Bees, but their trip up north to Lansing, Mich. didn’t end well. The IBI's Stephanie Metzger recaps the week.

The Lake County Captains record fell to 5-11 after falling to the Burlington Bees, 6-1, Saturday. The Bees struck twice in the second, fourth and fifth innings while Lake County managed its solo run in the fifth. Captains starter Luis Lugo gave up six runs in less than five innings, but was spelled by Robbie Aviles, who turned in a promising set of 4.1 shutout innings.

The Lake County Captains are currently stuck in a six-game losing streak. Since the season's start, the team's arms have struggled as they've allowed more runs than any team in the Midwest League. The bright side rests within the bats, where power has proved to be beneficial. IBI's Stephanie Metzger recaps the Captains' first 11 games.

A comeback attempt fell short for The Lake County Captains as they lost to the Kane County Cougers 9-8 Saturday. Adam Plutko lasted less than five innings, giving up five runs, while Juan Panigua tossed four two-hit innings for Kane County. The Lake County offense was hot at times, but not enough to overcome five extra-base hits from the Cougars.

Trevor Frank prefers to spend his free time surfing, but the waves of Lake Erie may not produce a swell large enough for shortboards. Frank doesn’t mind, however, because he’s spending his summer toeing the rubber rather than rails of a surfboard. The IBI's Stephanie Metzger recently sat down with the Low-A Lake County reliever and talks about his ascent up the pro ranks...

Lake County Captains manager Mark Budzinski led his team to its first two wins of the season, and the first two if his professional career. Jordan Milbrath pitched a complete-game shutout in game two after the Captains came back from a big deficit to win game one. Both contests were shortened to seven innings, but that's all Lake County needed to finish the day unscathed.

The Lake County Captains kicked off the 2014 season with an exhibition game against the double-A Akron RubberDucks April 1, but their regular season starts April 4. The 2013 squad finished with a 54-83 record, and the 2014 team looks to improve upon its predecessor. With a new coaching staff and new crop of prospects, the IBI's Stephanie Metzger previews the 2014 Captains.

Available IBI Books

The 2014 Cleveland Indians Baseball Insider book featuring the Indians' Top 100 Prospects and more is now available. Also, previous editions from 2008-2012 are also available at a discounted rate. Just click on the book image for more information. Thanks again for all the support!